Officers appeared in Campbelltown Local Court to describe the restraints and other evidence found near the bodies of the victims - three Germans, two Britons and two Australians.

The defendant, 49-year-old Ivan Milat, again attended the preliminary hearing that will determine if there is enough evidence to warrant a trial for multiple murder and attempted murder.

Milat, who has been in custody since May 23, has denied the charges.

A figure-eight of electrical tape shaped ″like handcuffs″ was found about 60 yards from the remains of German tourists Anja Habschied, 20, and Gabor Neugebauer, 21.

In addition to the loops of tape, Constable Mark Klin said he also found a bundle of ropes and an adjustable leather strap.

Neugebauer had been shot at least six times, and stabbed. Habscheid had been decapitated, and her head has never been found.

A procession of other officers who helped in the search of the killing ground in the Belanglo State Forest southwest of Sydney in October and November 1993 described finding bone fragments, .22 caliber shells, a moneybelt, bone fragments and teeth near the bodies.

Camping gear, backpacks and other property belonging to several of the backpackers was found at Milat’s home or had been given to his relatives for storage, chief prosecutor Ian Lloyd said Monday.

Milat was charged May 31 with seven counts of murder, one of attempted murder and six firearms-related charges relating to an arsenal of weapons and ammunition found at properties belonging to the Milat family in the highlands.

A third unnamed British backpacker, identified only as a 24-year-old man, is the source of the attempted murder charge and will be the star witness in the third week of the eight-week hearing.

The man said he bolted from the car when Milat pulled over, reached under the seat and produced a revolver and a bag of ropes. He says Milat shot at him as he ran from the car, Lloyd told the court.